(Ecofin Agency) - Following insistent rumors of a strike on a Nigerien army base in Diffa by the French forces of Operation Barkhane, the French Embassy in Niger refuted these allegations. The representation says these are just fake news intending to undermine military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel.

“The embassy formally denies the “fake news” circulating on social networks about an alleged strike by Barkhane against Niger Armed Forces in Diffa. A gross and blatant lie. France stands by Niger and its partners in the G5 Sahel in the fight against terrorism,” the French diplomatic representation in Niger tweeted.

The Barkhane is a military operation created in 2014 to support G5 Sahel countries in the fight against terrorism.